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Mini birthday update. Today Michael booked the Disneyland Hotel for me for the night we arrive to California. He knew I'd want to wake up to the magic. I am so excited I haven't stayed at the DLH since 2005. The rooms have since been refurbed. He was able to manage using banked and current points. This is going to be a birthday for the books. I feel very very blessed.

Joshua is also making me a mega list of the souvenirs to bring him. He wants a cozy cone cup, a vinylmation, and a Club 33 cookie.

Sorry about the delay in updating, my Photobucket was giving me mad grief so I finally just opened a second account. Im super smart like that. Haha!

Our plan for the day was to enjoy AK to the fullest, like we did, and then head to Epcot that evening for an ADR at Rose and Crown, watch Illuminations, and enjoy some F&W. We were also meeting Jenna et al after Rose and Crown as they were going to enjoy the kiosks for dinner. Guess who didnt know that F&W shut down during/after Illuminations? This girl. Not to worry, we still had a blast, we just made some minor...okay major... adjustments. Because I thought F&W stayed open I canceled our Rose and Crown ADR. I know, smoth move numero dos in deciding tonights plans. Thankfully my family is never 100% aware of anything I've got planned so they don't know if I've messed up.

Earlier I had text Cynthia and we were going to get the chance to meet up tonight. I was really looking forward to meeting her because between here and FB, I felt I already knew here.

After AK, we went back to the THV. I made some grilled cheese, cut up fruit, and chips. We wanted to get back to WS by 8:30 in time to squeeze in a decent spot to watch Illuminations and then snack our butts off. A little later than planned we left the THV and arrived at Epcot with about 20 minutes before the show. We only snacked a little at the THV as I was sure we'd have many kiosk options to indulge in. Not so much.

I grabbed a spot for Illuminations with Joshus while the others doddled along. The girls wanted to check out the store right as you enter WS so Michael took them in there. I text: good luck finding us suckers. Joshua will always stay with me, he's the best vacation partner. From fireworks to parades to pool time, he's always happy to do whatever I suggest. He's the best one. No really.

We grabbed an easy close spot for Illuminations. There were a few trees in our view but for 10 minutes before showtime, I thought we did great! Plus we weren't smashed into other people at all.

As usual, the photos are a mix of camera and iPhone but mostly camera where Michael was standing which was a good 20 feet back from me and the kids.

After Illuminations we were heading to La Cava to meet Cynthia and her friend along with Jenna and Nate while all of the kids rode in Mexico. It was a walk on.

Now forgive me here but it had been a long day and I dont remember the names of the margaritas. What I do recall is how sweet Cynthia and her friend were along with my sweet hubby buying everyone their drinks and taking a few photos for me.

Because the kids did not want to stay in Mexico we took our drinks to go and were in search of some grub.

From left: me, Cynthia, Pat, and Jenna. to the DIS for helping me meet some truly amazing women that have fostered into great friendships.

As we strolled we realized quickly that all the kiosks were closed with a capital and bold C. Knowing not a lot would be open, almost all of us liked Morroco, and it was close we opted for their CS. It wasn't very busy so not only did we get some delicious food we also got some fun entertainment from the staff. Had the kiosks been open we never wouldnt have been able experience this. I swear, when at Disney, it always turns out better than I could hope.

Like they were just waiting for us to have some fun:

Michael getting in on the action:

Nate ordering, note him wearing Joshuas Yeti hat. Best. Buy. Ever.

Shwarma platter:

Emma wasn't thrilled with the food options here so Jenna took her to China to grab something.

By the time we ate and Jenna returned it was late and we were all tired. We chatted a little more and then bid our farewells. Although it didn't go according to plan it was a fun meet and we had a good time.

Of course my girls couldnt resist the phone booth with their love of One Direction and all. Their CD cover has a booth on this like it.

Happily locked in:

Our plans for the next included:
- a day relaxing at the High Rocks Springs pool, you all know by now how I love my pool time
- a possible DIS meet with Cynthias friends at Rose and Crown in Epcot at 1:30
- Michael to grill tri tip for the 11 of us
- MNSSHP

We got back to the villa without any issues and everyone got ready for bed. I did take the two tri tips out to thaw.

I am so enjoying your report. You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. I hope someday my kids will be well behaved and normal......right now my four year old is making me fear things will never get better.

I am so enjoying your report. You have a beautiful family and it looks like you all had such a wonderful time and enjoyed being together. I hope someday my kids will be well behaved and normal......right now my four year old is making me fear things will never get better.

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Mine are only normal at Disney, that's why I love it. But seriously, I was talking to my good friend last night and I think the toddler years were by far the most difficult in terms of my emotions. They're too young to really reason with so it was frustrating for me as a parent. I promise it gets better. My kids had their share of Disney melt downs as toddlers. I remember one at Disneyland where DS lost it right before the fireworks. ​

So true part deux. I live in a sunny city that has suddenly become VERY gloomy. So strange. I too need the sun. It was sunny all week after weeks of gloom and it's like you wanted to smile simply for a blue sky. Actually the smile came and then the realization!

I know I'm a stranger - but I'm so very sorry.

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Its so true. The lack of sun now here, going on Day 10 I think is insane. I need some sunshine! At this point, I'll stop complaining about the cold if I can get a sunny day. ​

It was pretty cool. I had never read about it in any report before so it was a fun surprise. I like when people enjoy their jobs. Morocco remains my favorite country in Epcot. The platter was delicious. The hummus was outstanding. As were the greens but I can't remember the name. The whole plate was delicious and HUGE and around $12; total bargain. I had the lamb.

I never understand why they have to close all that F&W stuff down at 9, but I guess they don't think there would be enough peeps there for it or they want to kick all the boozers out!

I was able to book GCV this am- but I still need to do one more day with my Boardwalk pts (different use year- can't combine them for an August vacation because you can't transfer borrowed points and BWV has an Oct UY. My BCV and AKV are June). So the profound and nutty stress I went through this am I will get to repeat on Friday morning- SUPER!! At least it's only for one night- so if I don't get it, we can just move or leave CA a day early.

I never understand why they have to close all that F&W stuff down at 9, but I guess they don't think there would be enough peeps there for it or they want to kick all the boozers out!

I was able to book GCV this am- but I still need to do one more day with my Boardwalk pts (different use year- can't combine them for an August vacation because you can't transfer borrowed points and BWV has an Oct UY. My BCV and AKV are June). So the profound and nutty stress I went through this am I will get to repeat on Friday morning- SUPER!! At least it's only for one night- so if I don't get it, we can just move or leave CA a day early.

5 more days til Mexico!

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I'm glad you got your GCV villa. Did you get a Studio or one bedroom? Are all 5 of you going? I will cross my fingers for you on Friday morning and send major pixie dust!

Your resort looks gorgeous in Mexico. I'm super envious. This has been the worst winter that I can recall in the 20 we've been here. Can't wait to read all about it.

Great update. Sorry you didn't realize that the Kiosks shut down for EMH. I don't understand why either, but it's a drag.

La Cava looks like so much fun. I was telling Fran about it last night and she said we'll have to go there for a drink and a snack this trip!

Did anyone in your party have the Cucumber Margarita? I think that's one of the things that sealed it for her and that she loves margaritas.

Ellen - good score on the VGC! I hope you get your last day!

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I don't know if anyone had the cucumber but do remember mine was blood orange...I'll go to allears and see if I can recall any of the names....nope, they don't have the names listed. I wish we could have stayed longer. Darn kids always wanting to eat and stuff.

It was a drag but we made the best of it and ended up having a great time. It was nice to be able to sit and chat. Poor Cynthia got a large dose of me and my family. A girls' trip is definitely in order.

Sorry about the delay in updating, my Photobucket was giving me mad grief so I finally just opened a second account. Im super smart like that. Haha!

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Ugh, I bit the bullet a few years ago and upgraded to pro and honestly, I never have issues any more. I've had a few lately with their new site design but that's just been with organizing, not uploads etc like I used to. 2 accounts would make me nutty.

After Illuminations we were heading to La Cava to meet Cynthia and her friend along with Jenna and Nate while all of the kids rode in Mexico. It was a walk on.

Now forgive me here but it had been a long day and I dont remember the names of the margaritas. What I do recall is how sweet Cynthia and her friend were along with my sweet hubby buying everyone their drinks and taking a few photos for me.

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Very sweet! That was a nice surprise and treat, thank you again Michael!

I had the classic and remembered being surprised it came in the large cup as last time it had been made in a shaker and poured into a martini glass. Apparently because it was food and wine, everything was being served in the large "to go" cups. Worked for me! YUM!

As we strolled we realized quickly that all the kiosks were closed with a capital and bold C. Knowing not a lot would be open, almost all of us liked Morroco, and it was close we opted for their CS. It wasn't very busy so not only did we get some delicious food we also got some fun entertainment from the staff. Had the kiosks been open we never wouldnt have been able experience this. I swear, when at Disney, it always turns out better than I could hope.

Like they were just waiting for us to have some fun:

Michael getting in on the action:

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Oh my goodness it was such a spontaneous and fun thing, so entertaining and just a riot!

Emma wasn't thrilled with the food options here so Jenna took her to China to grab something.

By the time we ate and Jenna returned it was late and we were all tired. We chatted a little more and then bid our farewells. Although it didn't go according to plan it was a fun meet and we had a good time.

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Poor Emma, she just wanted to go to America, and they were closed. I felt so bad for her.

We did do one more thing on the way out Pat said goodbye before the UK as she was headed back to the BC and my plan was to walk out with you guys who were planning to hit Soarin' and head back to the VWL. However my plan didn't go according to plan as I was persuaded otherwise , and we all hit Soarin' taking up, if memory serves the entire front row. Then as we walked back I saw my bus (had yours just pulled out?) and I RAN to catch it. Sorry if my goodbye was rushed, I was happy to not have just missed it, WL seems forever and a day away from Epcot. It isn't but at that hour I was ready for bed, super long and fun day. I had so much fun with your family (Jenna's too!), thanks for letting me tag along it was really fun. Your kids are absolutely adorable.

Ugh, I bit the bullet a few years ago and upgraded to pro and honestly, I never have issues any more. I've had a few lately with their new site design but that's just been with organizing, not uploads etc like I used to. 2 accounts would make me nutty.

Ditto! and nice view YOU had for the fireworks!

Very sweet! That was a nice surprise and treat, thank you again Michael!

I had the classic and remembered being surprised it came in the large cup as last time it had been made in a shaker and poured into a martini glass. Apparently because it was food and wine, everything was being served in the large "to go" cups. Worked for me! YUM!

It is such a wonderful thing!

Oh my goodness it was such a spontaneous and fun thing, so entertaining and just a riot!

Poor Emma, she just wanted to go to America, and they were closed. I felt so bad for her.

We did do one more thing on the way out Pat said goodbye before the UK as she was headed back to the BC and my plan was to walk out with you guys who were planning to hit Soarin' and head back to the VWL. However my plan didn't go according to plan as I was persuaded otherwise , and we all hit Soarin' taking up, if memory serves the entire front row. Then as we walked back I saw my bus (had yours just pulled out?) and I RAN to catch it. Sorry if my goodbye was rushed, I was happy to not have just missed it, WL seems forever and a day away from Epcot. It isn't but at that hour I was ready for bed, super long and fun day. I had so much fun with your family (Jenna's too!), thanks for letting me tag along it was really fun. Your kids are absolutely adorable.

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I knew we went in Soarin' and asked Joshua when I was writing the update and he said no. That's what I get for asking an 11 y/o for details. And I swear Emma wanted China? I'm losing it. Blame my 15+ days of parenting alone. Holy baby brain.

We took up the first row. We're first row freaks. I don't like dangling feet.

Do you remember the other flavors of margaritas that we ordered? At least I got Morocco correct. I'd never been to La Cava and didn't know the drinks come in smaller glasses. Score!

I knew we didn't scare you too badly as we met up again- spoiler- but all 5 Sheets at a time can be a lot. It was so good to meet up. One of these days I'm going to tag along on one if your DIS girls' trips. You looked relaxed and free. I did not. Lol! ​

I knew we went in Soarin' and asked Joshua when I was writing the update and he said no. That's what I get for asking an 11 y/o for details. And I swear Emma wanted China? I'm losing it. Blame my 15+ days of parenting alone. Holy baby brain.

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I hear you there. Evan and Eric were convinced they went into the ocean in Nassau and it took a bunch of chatting for them to go oh yeah...that was Vero. Poor baby wanted America. I think they ended up having to go all the way to Fountainview to find something open? Yikes, not sure, that's a Jenna question for sure.

Do you remember the other flavors of margaritas that we ordered? At least I got Morocco correct. I'd never been to La Cava and didn't know the drinks come in smaller glasses. Score!

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Well the drink isn't smaller but you can get them shaken and poured versus on the rocks for some of them although I don't know which ones. I know someone had blood orange and no, no clue on the rest lol! Cucumber? Jalepeno? Basil? I know they have all of those...

I knew we didn't scare you too badly as we met up again- spoiler- but all 5 Sheets at a time can be a lot. It was so good to meet up. One of these days I'm going to tag along on one if your DIS girls' trips. You looked relaxed and free. I did not. Lol!

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Oh please! We have four kids remember? We'd probably scar you! And I'm the oldest of 6. Tag along, bring Jenna!! Next one looks to be May of 2014....Flower and Garden A girls trip is much more relaxing though, no doubt. Just wait, next New Years I will be a train wreck. 5 teenage boys. In one villa. I'll need to turn the villa into a Ditch just to survive. Heck just the planning right now is a bit but I'm trying to roll with it and not stress as I wait for the 11m day to come and decide whether to "walk" or not.